Sylvie Macmillan’s background in model making and special effects led her to the intricacies and precision of doing nails. Her understanding of a broad range of materials has influenced her sculptural and experimental style of manicures and pedicures.

The London based nail technician’s aim is to show hands and feet in a new light and to elevate the persona within a shoot as well as with private clients. For Sylvie, hands are the most expressive part of the body and she wants them to be noticed. Manicure translates as “care of the hand”, for this reason she not only sees the nails as the canvas but looks into ways the entire hand can be beautified.

Macmillan rarely draws inspiration from existing nail looks but instead opts to pull ideas from points of reference such as cars, nature, occupations, history, crafts and sex toys. Carefully combined inspirations and techniques have been brought together to create nail looks that often put the vulgar and grotesque in a beautiful light.